Fantasyland

Fantasyland is a land in the Magic Kingdom

History

Fantasyland opened along with the rest of the Magic Kingdom on October1,1971. On opening day Fantasyland had more attractions then any other land in the park. Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Mad Tea Party, Snow White’s Adventure, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, the Mickey Mouse Revue, “it’s a small world” and the Skyway to Tommorowland were all operational. Within the next month, Peter Pan’s Flight and the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage would also open giving Fantasyland an astounding ten attractions. Fantasyland took its inspiration from the Disney movies themselves. In Fantasyland guests are immersed in the movies and the movies come to life through the attractions.

Fantasyland remained largely unchanged until 1980 when the Mickey Mouse Revue was closed and eventually moved to the new Tokyo Disneyland. The Fantasyland Theater which had housed the revue remained closed until 1987 when the 3D attraction Magic Journeys moved in. Magic Journeys was a 3D show which showed guests “the world through the eyes of a child”. The film had previously been shown in Epcot, Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland before finally making its way to Walt Disney World.

The 1990's brought a series of changes to Fantasyland. In 1993 Magic Journeys was closed and replaced with The Legend of the Lion King. The new attraction was based on Disney's the Lion King and used puppets, animation and special effects to tell the story of the Lion King. Further change came to Fantasyland in 1994 when the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage was closed. 20,000 leagues was not closed due to lack of popularity, but because the ride was not handicap accessible, broke down frequently, had limited capacity and cost a lot to maintain. After the ride had closed the lagoon remained empty until 2004 when the lagoon was finally renovated. Also in 1994, Snow White's Adventure was redesigned to be more like the Disneyland version of the attraction. When Snow White's Adventures reopened it was renamed Snow White's Scary Adventures. The reason for the name change was that the attraction had often scared younger children and the  Imagineers felt that some warning was necessary.

Another opening day attraction closed in 1998 when Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was removed. Disney thought that a more known character would be better suited for the large building that Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was housed in. The ride was still popular however, and when news of the attractions closure spread a “Save Toad” campaign was started. Despite the campaign Mr. Toad's Wild Ride closed on September 7, 1998. The attraction was replaced by the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which opened in 1999. In 1999 the Skyway to Tommorowland was also closed after a Disney World employee was killed while cleaning a platform on the attraction. Although Disney said that the accidental death had nothing to do with the rides closing the Skyway would never open again.

The former location of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage finally began to change in 2001 when Ariel's Grotto (a little Mermaid meet and greet) opened. In 2002 the Fantasyland Theater was once again changing. The Legend of the Lion King was closed and removed from the theater. This paved the way for a new 3D show to open, Mickey's PhilharMagic. The new show featured Donald Duck traveling through many famous Disney movies looking for the “sorcerers hat” (Which he of course used without permission). Songs and characters from classic Disney movies also appeared in the show. Included were, Beauty and the Beast, Fantasia, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King,Peter Pan, and Aladdin. Also getting a new attraction was the former 20,000 League Lagoon, which was transformed in 2005 into Pooh's Playful spot. The new attraction was a outdoor play area for children and closed In 2010. Another minor change came in 2010 when Cinderella’s Golden Carousel was renamed the Prince Charming Regal Carousel.

Fantasyland Expansion

In 2009, it was announced that Mickey's Toontown Fair would be closing and Fantasyland would be expanding into the previous Toontown location. The expansion is expected to double the previous the size of Fantasyland. Part of the expansion will be called Storybook Circus which will begin open in early 2012. This section of Fantasyland will be themed like a circus and will include new attractions such as Casey Jr. and the Great Goofini Coaster. Casey Jr. is expected to be a water play area for kids featuring Case Jr. from the 1941 Disney movie Dumbo. The Great Goofini Coaster, is a re-temed version of Goofy's Barnstormer which was previously located in Mickey's Toontown Fair. Storybook Circus is also expected to house two Dumbo the Elephant rides (with the old ride moving from its current location) and the Fantasyland Train Station. In 2013 it is expected that Storybook Circus will be completed with the addition of Pete's Silly Sideshow.

The other part of the “new” Fantasyland is set to house a variety of attractions based on Disney movies. The first addition should be Under the Sea- The Voyage of the Little Mermaid which is set to open in late 2012. This new attraction is based on the Disney Movie the Little Mermaid and will be a dark ride type attraction. Ariel's Grotto is also expected to re-open in the Fantasyland expansion at some point.

Also expected to open in late 2012 is Beauty and the Beast Village (featuring the new Beast's Castle) a Belle meet-and-greet and the Be Our Guest restaurant. This entire part of the expansion will be based on the popular Disney movie Beauty and the Beast. The final part of the expansion is expected to open in late 2013 with The Seven Dwarfs Mine Coaster. This roller coaster will be based on the Disney Movie Snow White. In conjunction with the Fantasyland expansion and the creation of the Mine Coaster, Snow White's Scary Adventure is expected to close in 2012.

Attractions

Cinderella Castle- The Icon of the Magic Kingdom and the home of Cinderella!

Cinderella's Golden Carrousel- Ride along to classic Disney tunes on this 90 seat Carrousel. Originally built in 1917, the Carrousel is the oldest ride on Disney property.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant- Soar through the clouds with Dumbo on this kid friendly ride. Inspired by the movie of the same name. Dumbo is one of the most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World!

"It's a Small World"- Allows guests to take a cruise with kids from around the world. Guest board boats and visit many different cultures all while listening to classic Disney song, “it's a Small World”.

Mad Tea Party- This ride allwos guests Spin along in tea cups as they celebrate their unbirthday. Based on the 1951 animated film Alice in Wonderland and located near Tommorowland. This ride can cause motion sickness.

Mickey's PhilharMagic- Join Mickey, Donald, Ariel, Aladdin and others in this 3D musical show. Sit back and relax as you are taken through a series of musical numbers from famous Disney movies.

Peter Pan's Flight- You can fly, you can fly, you can fly! Join Peter Pan as you fly over London and into Neverland to fight the evil Captain Hook. Along the way you will meet Wendy, Tinkerbell and many others on this adventurous dark ride.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh- Allows guests to taake a journey through the Hundred-Acre Woods with Pooh and Friends!

Past Attractions

Pooh's Playful Spot- Was an outdoor playground for little kids. Based on the popular Winnie the Pooh cartoons and movies, this attraction opened in 2005 and closed in 2010. Snow White's Scary Adventures- Was a dark ride based on the 1941 Disney Ride along through the story of Snow White, based on the 1941 movie of the same name. On this dark ride you will meet everyone, from Dopey to Prince Charming. And be sure to watch out for the Evil Queen! Mr. Toad's Wild Ride-Was a dark ride based on the 1955 Disney movie the Wind and the Willows. In this attraction guests road along with Mr. Toad on a crazy, jerky ride. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride opened with the park in 1971 and closed September 8, 1998. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage- Was am opening day attraction that allowed guests to submerge in the Pacific Ocean view the deep sea with Captain Nemo and his crew. The attraction took up about ¼ of Fantasyland. 20,000 Leagues closed October 14, 1994. It was based on the the 1952 live-action Disney movie. Skyway- The Skyway allowed guests to travel from Fantasyland to Tommorowland via gondola lift. The attraction opened with the park and closed on November 10, 1999. Magic Journeys- Was a 3D show located in the Fantasyland Theater. The show showed guests the world through the view of a child. The attraction opened December 1, 1987 and closed December 1, 1993. Legened of the Lion King- Was a musical show that opened on June 15, 1994 and closed February 23, 2002. The Legend of the Lion King was housed in the Fantasyland Theater. The show used puppetry, animation and special effects to tell the story of Disney's 1992 movie The Lion King.

Future Attractions

The Beast's Castle- Visit the castle of the beats, to visit Belle and her friends! Based on the the 1991 movie, this attraction is part of the Fantasyland expansion, and is set to open in 2012.

Ariel's Grotto- A Little Mermaid meet-and-greet and outdoor water play area. This attraction closed in 2010 but is expected t1o be re-opened in 2012

Under the Sea: The Voyage of the Little Mermaid:- Will be a dark ride which will take guests through the story of the Little Mermaid. Expected to open in late 2012.

Casey Jr. Roundhouse-Will be an outdoor water area for young kids. Located in Storybook Circus this attraction is based on the 1941 Disney movie Dumbo. Expected to open in early 2012.

The Great Goofini Coaster- Will be a mild roller coaster located in Storybook Circus. The Great Goofini will be a re-theming of the former Toontown attraction Goofy's Barnstormer. Expected to open in early 2012.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train- Will be a wooden roller coaster based on the 1937 Disney movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Expected to open in 2013.

Dining

Cinderella's Royal Table-is a sit down restaurant located within Cinderella Castle. For Breakfast guests can attend "Once Upon a Time Character Breakfast", with Cinderella and other Disney Princess characters. Cinderella's Royal Table also offers a character lunch and a themed dinner featuring the Fairy Godmother to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. Pinocchio Village House- A counter service restaurant serving food including pizza and sandwiches. Located near “it's a Small World”. Friars Nook- A counter service restaurant which sells chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and beverages. Located by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Storybook Treats- Serves ice cream, located next to the Friars Nook.

Cheshire Cafe- Located near the Mad Tea Party. The Cheshire Cafe sells frozen lemonade, ice coffee and snacks. Hosted by Minute Maid.

Trivia

• "La Fontaine de Cendrillon" (or Fountain of Cinderella),is a bronze statue of Cinderella located in the center of Fantasyland. This fountain is known as "Rags to Riches" because if you stand (actually, you may have to kneel) in front of Cinderella and look at the painted mural behind it on the castle wall, a painted image of a crown appears to be sitting on top of the princess' head. Although an adult may have to get low to see it, this was designed intentionally so that when children look at the fountain, they can clearly see the crowned princess.

• The opening day attractions in Fantasyland were, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It's a Small World, Snow White's Adventure, The Mad Tea Party, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, The Mickey Mouse Revue and Cinderella's Golden Carousel.

• The Sword in the Stone Ceremony used to take place several times daily in the area behind Cinderella Castle and in front of Cinderella's Golden Carousel . Presided over by Merlin the Magician, a child was chosen from the audience to Excalibur, the magical sword from the stone. He or she was then appointed "temporary ruler of the realm”.